EKG vs. IBIC
EKG (First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF) and IBIC (iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EKG is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Lux Health Tech Index, while IBIC is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EKG returned 2.67% vs 4.42% for IBIC. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. EKG charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for IBIC.
Performance
EKG vs. IBIC - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, EKG achieves a -7.35% return, which is significantly lower than IBIC's 2.43% return.
EKG
- 1D
- 1.44%
- 1M
- 5.58%
- YTD
- -7.35%
- 6M
- -8.68%
- 1Y
- 2.67%
- 3Y*
- -0.25%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IBIC
- 1D
- 0.04%
- 1M
- 0.12%
- YTD
- 2.43%
- 6M
- 2.57%
- 1Y
- 4.42%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
EKG vs. IBIC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EKG First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF | -7.35% | 11.89% | 6.53% | 4.91% |
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF | 2.43% | 4.96% | 5.25% | 2.17% |
Correlation
The correlation between EKG and IBIC is -0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.10 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2023 | -0.01 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
EKG vs. IBIC — Risk / Return Rank
EKG
IBIC
EKG vs. IBIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| EKG | IBIC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -4.87 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -8.65 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.04 | 2.22 | -1.19 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.12 | 16.56 | -16.44 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.26 | 58.67 | -58.41 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
EKG vs. IBIC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum EKG drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, which is greater than IBIC's maximum drawdown of -0.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKG and IBIC.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| EKG | IBIC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.82% | -0.90% | -42.92% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -22.09% | -0.27% | -21.82% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -34.49% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -18.36% | -0.08% | -18.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -22.59% | -0.10% | -22.49% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 10.17% | 0.08% | +10.09% |
Volatility
EKG vs. IBIC - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) has a higher volatility of 8.01% compared to iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC) at 0.17%. This indicates that EKG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| EKG | IBIC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.01% | 0.17% | +7.84% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 17.55% | 0.67% | +16.88% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.29% | 0.89% | +21.40% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 27.08% | 1.56% | +25.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 27.08% | 1.56% | +25.52% |
EKG vs. IBIC - Expense Ratio Comparison
EKG has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIC's 0.10% expense ratio.
Dividends
EKG vs. IBIC - Dividend Comparison
EKG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.58%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EKG First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF | 3.58% | 4.43% | 4.65% | 0.83% |
Frequently Asked Questions
EKG and IBIC have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
EKG has higher volatility (8.01%) compared to IBIC (0.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EKG dropped -43.82% vs IBIC's -0.90%.
On 1-year performance, IBIC leads with 4.42% vs 2.67% for EKG. On fees, IBIC is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, IBIC has been the lower-risk option at 0.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, IBIC has performed better with a 4.42% return vs 2.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IBIC is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for EKG.
IBIC has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 0.00% for EKG.
EKG is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while IBIC is Inflation-Protected Bonds. EKG tracks NASDAQ Lux Health Tech Index, while IBIC tracks ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for EKG and 0.10% for IBIC.
IBIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.99 vs 0.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for EKG and IBIC
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer